Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Jeremiah Alexander of
Thompson (Alabaster) is the 2021 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker helped the Warriors go 13-1 and capture their third straight Class 7A state football championship.
In a 38-22 win over Central (Phenix City) in the title game, Alexander recorded four solo tackles, seven total stops and two tackles for losses. The senior also recorded a sack that went for an 18-yard loss.
Alexander was rather defensive during the playoffs, roughing up opposing offenses with 15 solo tackles, 23 total tackles and six tackles for losses over the four-game run which included a 35-10 win over Hoover to avenge their only loss on the season.
The No. 1 edge prospect in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports also recorded three sacks and nine quarterback hurries during postseason play. Alexander returned an interception 50 yards for a score against Hoover in the semifinals.
For the season, Alabama's top prospect was responsible for 59 solo tackles, 93 total stops, 29 tackles for 90 yards in losses and 10 sacks. The 17th-ranked prospect nationally also recorded 27 quarterback hurries on the year, defended a pair of passes and recovered a fumble.
In a 42-9 win over Hewitt-Trussville, Alexander recorded six solo tackles, eight total stops, five tackles for negative yards, three sacks, five quarterback hurries, defended a pass and recovered a fumble.
Alabama freshman defensive back Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry was the 2020 MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year after helping Pinson Valley (Pinson) to the Class 6A state title. Following last season's state title, Pinson Valley had won three of the last four Class 6A state championships.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion on the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
Jeremiah Alexander, Thompson
File photo by Brandon Sumrall
